Therefore, the need to continually develop new skills and competencies are paramount and TTE works closely with employers and individuals to deliver training programmes to enable companies to remain competitive in challenging markets.

Delivered by training professionals with their own extensive experience of working in industry, TTE’s programmes cover a broad range of personal and skills development.

We frequently welcome technicians and engineers from UK and international organisations to our fully-equipped training centre in Middlesbrough who undertake a variety of upskilling programmes, which cover engineering and safety competencies.

Our dedicated and accredited CompEx facilities, for example, are regularly utilised by engineers enhancing their skills to earn a highly-respected qualification. CompEx is the global competency scheme of choice for major oil, gas and chemical companies and validates core capabilities of employees and contract staff operating in hazardous electrical installation and maintenance environments.

There are occasions, as industry evolves, where experienced and skilled workers have to change direction in their careers. TTE actively supports, where possible, those impacted by redundancy and is currently working on a new project with JobCentrePlus to assist ex-SSI employees.

During the next three months, TTE will help groups of former SSI workers gain different type of skills that will help them in the next stages of their careers. Although highly-skilled technicians, many will have spent a long time working at SSI and, therefore, require support to negotiate the job market.

As a result, TTE will work with the individuals to develop a range of skills to increase their confidence and understanding of current job-seeking routes such as the increased use of social media and online applications.

The training will include developing interview techniques and CV writing along with identifying and exploring transferable skills, which can be applied to available roles in the Teesside job market. TTE’s industrial experience makes it ideal to offer technical careers advice and support.

Continual workforce development is an essential part of ensuring businesses can remain at the forefront of industry. TTE works with a variety of companies to deliver a range of targeted training programmes to enhance the skills and competencies of its employees.

Among them is SABIC UK Petrochemicals, which has enlisted TTE to provide its panel technicians with the opportunity to refresh their skills to ensure they are prepared to react to any unforeseen circumstances.

During the training, which is delivered in TTE’s Virtual Process Control Room, participants are presented with five scenarios. These increase in difficulty as the course progresses, and at the end of each, reactions and behaviours are discussed and best practice shared.

SABIC UK Petrochemicals’ Learning and Development Manager, Kevin Thrower says, “This programme allows skills and competencies, which are only drawn upon in ‘upset’ situations, to be put to the test, meaning participants are able to practice and hone skills that aren’t used on a daily basis.

“It’s important for employers from all industries to recognise that investment in training, regardless of how experienced certain employees may be, is essential - even if it’s only to refresh existing skills.”

Teesside’s strong industrial heritage has been built on its skilled and experienced workforce. Through ongoing skills development the area can remain at the cutting edge of industry and compete in global markets.